The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the securities industry in Pakistan. It was established in 1988 under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997.
The SECP has a broad mandate to protect investors, maintain fair, transparent, and efficient markets, and promote and develop the securities industry in Pakistan. It is responsible for the regulation of all securities markets in Pakistan, including the stock exchange, bond market, and over-the-counter markets.
The SECP is responsible for issuing and enforcing rules and regulations for the securities industry, including the registration of companies, the registration and regulation of securities market intermediaries, such as brokerage firms and investment advisers, and the regulation of public offerings of securities.
The SECP also oversees the listing and trading of securities on the Pakistan Stock Exchange and the regulation of insider trading and other forms of market misconduct. It also oversees the registration of mutual funds and other collective investment schemes.
In addition, the SECP is responsible for the protection of investors through the enforcement of securities laws and regulations and the investigation of securities fraud and other illegal activities. It also provides education and awareness to the public about investing in the securities market.
In conclusion, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is a regulatory body responsible for overseeing the securities industry in Pakistan, established under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act 1997, responsible for the regulation of all securities markets in Pakistan, including the stock exchange, bond market, and over-the-counter markets, issuing and enforcing rules and regulations for the securities industry, protection of investors through the enforcement of securities laws and regulations and the investigation of securities fraud and other illegal activities, providing education and awareness to the public about investing in the securities market.